Timothée Chalamet’s Top 5 Films According to Critics
Discover the standout performances that have defined Timothée Chalamet’s career, as we explore his five highest-rated films and what makes each role unforgettable.
Timothée Chalamet’s career has been marked by a refusal to settle into any single mould. From intimate coming-of-age tales to grand science fiction epics, he’s demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt, impressing both critics and audiences alike. Each year since his breakthrough, Chalamet has delivered performances that have only strengthened his reputation as one of the most versatile actors of his generation. Here, we look at five of his most acclaimed leading roles, as ranked by the Tomatometer.
Chalamet’s Take on Wonka
When it was announced that Chalamet would step into the shoes of the iconic chocolatier, there was a fair bit of scepticism. However, the musical, directed by Paul King, quickly won over viewers. Rather than echoing the eccentricities of previous portrayals, Chalamet’s version is warm, hopeful, and distinctly his own. He described the experience as
I can’t say the singing and dancing comes easy. I’ve been around musical theatre my whole life, and danced a little bit in high school, but this was on a different level. It’s different doing it on film. You’ve got to keep being in the centre of the frame while dancing, you’ve got to rehearse for months, you’ve got to be on for every take—take 12 and all the other takes—and dance with professional dancers, who are icing their ankles. That’s how serious they were taking it. So it was a big challenge.
The result is a film that feels fresh, with Chalamet’s performance grounding the fantasy and making Wonka’s journey feel genuinely earned. The film is currently available to stream on HBO Max in the US.
Epic Worlds and Coming-of-Age in Dune
Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic science fiction novel introduced a new generation to the world of Arrakis. Chalamet stars as Paul Atreides, a young man grappling with expectations and destiny. When asked if his previous role as Henry V in The King helped him prepare, he replied,
Yes and no. Hal was a bit of a philanderer, they call him “the wh*ring fool” and he’s lived a life of immorality around the central Christian moral doctrine of the times. That’s the beginning of his arc. Paul is not starting from an amoral place. He’s starting 15, 16 years old, and he’s not totally naive or innocent. He is very much a boy, but by the end of the film… there’s the coming of age into adulthood alongside a greater purpose.
Chalamet’s subtle portrayal of Paul’s uncertainty, fear, and growing sense of responsibility is a highlight, and the film’s slow-burn approach is elevated by his nuanced performance. Dune is also streaming on HBO Max in the US.
Transformation in Dune: Part Two
The sequel, Dune: Part Two, sees Villeneuve expand his vision, plunging viewers into war and prophecy. Chalamet’s character faces a profound internal conflict, as he explained:
He’s torn in two directions, one that makes sense to him from perhaps a more human perspective, a path of responsibility to Chani, of personal growth, being held accountable the way you would be if you were accepted amongst the new people and adopted in some ways. And this other path that’s almost the complete opposite, that’s assertive and destructive and messianic and all things he’s sort of reluctant to be. At some point, he’s put on a split path and has to make a choice.
Chalamet’s shift from hesitant youth to commanding leader is striking, with every aspect of his performance—from posture to delivery—reflecting Paul’s transformation. The film is currently available on HBO Max in the US.
Breakthrough with Call Me By Your Name
Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name transports viewers to a sun-drenched Italian summer in the 1980s, where Chalamet’s Elio experiences first love and heartbreak. The film is understated, focusing on realism and emotional restraint rather than melodrama. Chalamet’s ability to convey longing and vulnerability with minimal dialogue earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Though he did not win, this role is widely regarded as his breakthrough, showcasing his capacity for emotional honesty and universal resonance. Call Me By Your Name is also streaming on HBO Max in the US.
New Ground in Marty Supreme
Set for release at the end of 2025, Marty Supreme is already generating considerable buzz. Chalamet plays Marty Mauser, a character inspired by real-life table tennis hustler Marty Reisman. Unlike his previous introspective roles, this performance is defined by bravado and sharp wit. Chalamet’s commitment to the role is evident, and the film’s promotional campaign has been notably playful. Marty Supreme promises a fresh take on the sports drama, exploring not just the athlete’s dedication but also their ego and legacy. The film is scheduled for release on 25 December 2025 in the US.
Across these roles, Chalamet has consistently anchored each story with authenticity and depth, building a legacy that extends well beyond fleeting stardom.